Today God our Father brings us to the beginning of Lent. We pray that in this time of salvation he will fill us with the Holy Spirit, purify our hearts, and strengthen us in love. Let us humbly ask him:

Lord, give us your Holy Spirit.

May we be filled and satisfied,
-by the word which you give us.

Teach us to be loving not only in great and exceptional moments,
-but above all in the ordinary events of daily life.

May we abstain from what we do not really need,
-and help our brothers and sisters in distress.

May we bear the wounds of your Son in our bodies,
-for through his body he gave us life.

– Morning Prayer for Ash Wednesday

Saints:

St. Clare of Assisi

St. Francis of Assisi

Scripture:

John 3:30 – He must increase; I must decrease.

Luke 12:33-34 – Sell your belongings and give alms. Provide money bags for yourselves that do not wear out…

Psalm 73 – How good God is to the upright, to those who are pure of heart…

Tobit 4:21 – Do not fear, son, that we have lived in poverty…

Music:

A Cradle in Bethlehem (Nat King Cole)

Because the Lord is My Shepherd (Christopher Walker)